Foldable roof rack assembly for kayaks and the like

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a roof rack assembly. In particular, there is provided a foldable roof rack assembly for kayaks and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

United States Patent Publication No. 2007/0007316 to Witczak provides a bicycle carrier. The carrier has a rotatable beam on which are mounted foldable support arms having first wheel support means for engaging and entrapping the upper peripheral regions of the wheels of a bicycle. The beam is rotatable into a bicycle carriage mode vertically above the vehicle when the arms are in an arm deployed position and lockable in that position. Resiliently-biased detent means are associated with the support arms mountings for positively locking the arms in the deployed position in relation to the beam, simple movement against the bias effecting disengagement.

However, the above carrier may be relatively limited in the types of objects that it may be carry. Also, the carrier appears to require a relatively high number of parts.

United States Patent Publication No. 2013/0248568 to Bogoslofski et al. provides a surfboard carrier. The carrier is for securing one or more surfing devices for transport upon a carrying vehicle. The carrier includes an elongate base having a sliding base slidingly coupled to the main base and having a locking portion. A displacement hinge having a first end and a second end can be coupled to the elongate base at the first end of the displacement hinge. A middle arm can be coupled to the second end of the displacement hinge. A strap having a first end and a second end can have the first end of the strap coupled to the bottom displacement. A lock coupled to the locking portion can be configured to lock the strap to the locking portion in the event the second end of the strap is inserted into the locking portion of the sliding base.

The above carrier may also be limited in the range of objects that it may be able to readily carry. Moreover, it may be relatively cumbersome to use the carrier in situations where larger objects, such as kayaks, need to be transported and the user is by him or herself.

United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0035688 to Malone provides a loader for loading a kayak or other article onto a roof rack carrier. Typically two carriers may be mounted on a roof rack and the loader is used for each carrier. Each loader has a loading cradle that is slidably mounted in a slide rail and an attachment plate for attaching the slide rail to a carrier. A kayak is supported in the two loading cradles. Each cradle is pushed up the slide rail to lift the kayak near to the carrier. The lifting can be done by a single person in steps. A locking mechanism holds the loading cradle in position on the slide rail and prevents it from sliding backward. The user may move from one loader to the other to sequentially push the loading cradles up the two slide rails, thereby bringing the kayak close to the carriers mounted on the roof rack and in position for loading into the carriers.

The above loader may be relatively bulky and may thus increase drag when not in use, for example.

There is accordingly a need for a roof carrier which lends itself to carrying a large range of objects, which is relatively easy for one person to use when even large objects such as kayaks need to be carried, which has relatively few parts and which may remain compact when not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

There is provided an improved foldable roof rack carrier disclosed herein that may overcome the above disadvantages.

There is accordingly provided a foldable roof rack assembly. The roof rack assembly includes a mounting assembly connectable to a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack assembly includes a foldable arm having a pair of pivotable rigid portions one of which pivotally connects to the mounting assembly. The foldable arm is moveable from a folded position in which the portions of the arm are folded together laterally along the roof to an unfolded position in which the portions of the arm extend outward for receiving and at least partially extending around an object.

According to another aspect, there is provided a foldable roof rack assembly for a vehicle having a roof and a side. The foldable roof rack assembly includes a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a base mount extendable along the roof of the vehicle. The base mount has an end positionable adjacent to the side of the vehicle. The mounting assembly further includes a pivotable bracket pivotally connected to the end of the base mount. The roof rack assembly includes an arm pivotally connecting to the bracket. The arm is moveable from a folded position, in which the arm extends along the roof, to an unfolded position in which the arm extends along the side of the vehicle. The bracket extends outwards in a manner substantially parallel with the side of the vehicle when the arm is in the unfolded position. An object is receivable within the arm in the unfolded position and is storable on the roof when the arm is moved towards its folded position.

According yet a further aspect, there is provided a foldable roof rack assembly comprising an elongate mounting assembly. The roof rack assembly includes a foldable arm having a pair of pivotally connected together portions. A first one of the portions of the arm has a proximal end pivotally connecting to the mounting assembly and a distal end spaced-apart therefrom. A second one of the portions has a proximal end pivotally connecting to the distal end of the first one of the portions and has a distal end spaced-apart from its proximal end. The foldable arm is moveable from a folded position, in which the portions of the arm are folded together on top of and along the mounting assembly, to an unfolded position in which the portions of the arm extend outward for receiving and at least partially extending around an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side perspective view of a vehicle and a foldable roof rack assembly thereof according to one aspect, the assembly having a pair of mounting assemblies and a pair of foldable arm, the arms being shown in folded positions and the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top plan view of the vehicle and a base mount of one of the mounting assemblies of the foldable roof rack of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with the arms and with brackets of the mounting assemblies not being shown and the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front perspective view of the vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing one of the arms in a partially unfolded position, and the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side perspective view of the vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing inner portions of the arms extending along and aligning with the side of the vehicle in yet further partially unfolded positions of the arms, and the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a side perspective view of the vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing each of the arms in a fully unfolded position, with outer portions of the arms extending outwards from the inner portions of the arms, and the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side perspective view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> of the vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and a kayak being held by a user thereof, with a front portion of the kayak resting on one of the unfolded arms of the roof rack assembly;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side perspective view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> of the vehicle, foldable roof rack assembly and kayak, with the kayak resting on both of the unfolded arms and with straps extending from the outer portions of the arms to the mounting assembly for securing the kayak to the foldable roof rack assembly thereby, and with the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front, top perspective view of the vehicle, foldable roof rack assembly and kayak of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the vehicle, roof rack assembly and kayak being shown in fragment, and one of the mounting assemblies being shown partially broken away;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is front perspective view of the vehicle, foldable roof rack assembly and rack of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, with the arms being shown in a raised position and being shown biased towards their folded position, and with the kayak shown in a side elevated position and operatively connected to and extending longitudinally along the roof of the vehicle, with the vehicle being shown in fragment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side perspective view of a vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly similar <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> according to another aspect, showing each of the arms in a fully unfolded position, with outer portions of the arms extending outwards from the inner portions of the arms, the vehicle being shown in fragment, and the inner portions of the arms being telescopic and shown in a retracted position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side perspective view of the vehicle and foldable roof rack assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, with the inner portions of the arms shown in an extended position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and first to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, there is shown a foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> for the roof <b>22</b> of a vehicle <b>24</b>.

The vehicle is best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and includes a front <b>26</b>, a rear <b>28</b> spaced-apart from the front, and a pair of spaced-apart sides <b>32</b> and <b>34</b>. Each of the sides includes side windows, as shown by window <b>35</b> for side <b>32</b>. The sides <b>32</b> and <b>34</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> extend from the front <b>26</b> to the rear <b>28</b> of the vehicle. The roof <b>22</b> extends from the rear towards the front of the vehicle <b>24</b>. The roof is positioned above and extends between the sides <b>32</b> and <b>34</b> of the vehicle. The roof <b>22</b> has a rear end <b>36</b> positioned adjacent to the rear <b>28</b> of the vehicle and a front end <b>38</b> which is spaced-apart forward from the rear end. The roof <b>22</b> has a pair of peripheral edge portions <b>40</b> and <b>42</b> extending between the rear end and the front end thereof. The peripheral edge portions of the roof extend in parallel with and adjacent to sides <b>32</b> and <b>34</b>, respectively, of the vehicle <b>24</b>. The vehicle includes a pair of roof rails <b>44</b> and <b>46</b>, in this example, which connect to and extend along respective ones of the peripheral portions <b>40</b> and <b>42</b> of the roof <b>22</b> and perpendicular to the vehicle. As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a pair of spaced-apart bars <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> connect to and extend between the rails. The bars are spaced-apart above and extend generally in parallel with the roof <b>22</b>. Bar <b>48</b> is positioned adjacent to rear end <b>36</b> of the roof <b>22</b> and bar <b>50</b> is positioned closer to front end <b>38</b> of the roof in this example, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the vehicle <b>24</b> has a hood <b>52</b> that extends from the front <b>26</b> towards the rear <b>28</b> of the vehicle. The vehicle also has a front windshield <b>54</b> that extends between the hood and forward end <b>38</b> of roof <b>22</b>. The vehicle <b>24</b> has a longitudinal axis <b>56</b> interposed between the sides <b>32</b> and <b>34</b> thereof and which extends through the front <b>26</b> and rear <b>28</b> thereof. The vehicle is conventional, with its various parts and functionings being well-known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in greater detail.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> comprises a pair of spaced-apart, elongate mounting assemblies <b>58</b> and <b>60</b>. The mounting assemblies are longitudinally spaced-apart relative to axis <b>56</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The assemblies <b>58</b> and <b>60</b> are substantially the same in parts and functionings, and thus only assembly <b>60</b> will be described in detail.

Each mounting assembly comprises a first subassembly <b>61</b> having a base mount <b>62</b>, best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref>. Each base mount is connectable to and extendable along the roof <b>22</b>. Each base mount <b>62</b> is an elongate member which is upwardly-facing and u-shaped in cross-section in this example. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, each base mount <b>62</b> has a first end <b>64</b> which is inwardly spaced-apart from the side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> and a second end <b>66</b> which is spaced-apart from its first end. The second ends <b>66</b> of each base mount are positionable adjacent to the side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> and align with peripheral edge portions <b>40</b> in this example.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, each base mount <b>62</b> comprises a base plate <b>68</b> that extends substantially parallel with the roof, in this example, and a pair of spaced-apart side walls <b>70</b> and <b>72</b> connected to and extending upwards from the base plate, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The base plate and side walls are substantially rectangular in this example, and extend between the ends <b>64</b> and <b>66</b> of the base mount <b>62</b>. Base plate <b>68</b> and side walls <b>70</b> and <b>72</b> form an enclosure <b>73</b> having an interior <b>75</b>. Each of the plates <b>68</b> abuts and partially extends along the top <b>79</b> of a respective one of the bars <b>50</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>. Each base mount <b>62</b> is thus laterally extendable along the roof <b>22</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, each base plate includes a catch mechanism, in this example in the form of a slot <b>69</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, each slot is centrally located between side walls <b>70</b> and <b>72</b>, is positioned at end <b>66</b> of the base mount and extends from end <b>66</b> towards end <b>64</b> of its respective base mount.

As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, each mounting assembly <b>60</b> includes a pair of spaced-apart connecting mechanisms <b>74</b> and <b>76</b> for selectively connecting the base mount <b>62</b> to the bars <b>50</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>. Each connecting mechanism in this example comprises an elongate member, in this example a u-shaped bracket <b>78</b> which extends perpendicular to and abuts the bottom <b>80</b> of its respective bar <b>50</b>. Each base mount <b>62</b> and bracket <b>78</b> are selectively coupled together, with bar <b>50</b> interposed therebetween, via a pair of connectors, in this example bolts and nuts threadably connected thereto. The bolts and nuts are located by respective spaced-apart ends of bracket <b>78</b>, with the bolts abutting base plate <b>68</b> in this example. This is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> by way of bolt <b>84</b> and nut <b>86</b> for connecting mechanism <b>76</b> which couple base mount <b>62</b> and bracket <b>78</b> together. Connecting mechanism <b>76</b> is positioned adjacent to end <b>64</b> of its base mount <b>62</b> in this example.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, connecting mechanism <b>74</b> is substantially the same as mechanism <b>74</b> with the exception that it further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures, in this example in the form of three pairs of spaced-apart apertures <b>85</b>, <b>87</b> and <b>88</b>, through which its bolts <b>77</b> may selectively extend. Connecting mechanism <b>76</b> is thus laterally adjustable relative to the roof <b>22</b>. Each mounting assembly <b>60</b> is thus selectively connectable to an existing roof rack (roof rails <b>44</b> and bars <b>50</b>) of the vehicle <b>24</b> thereby.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, each mounting assembly <b>60</b> further comprises a second subassembly <b>89</b> which includes a hollow, outer housing <b>90</b>. Each housing has a first end <b>92</b>, best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, and a second end <b>94</b>, best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, which spaced-apart from its first end. The ends of the housings <b>90</b> are closed in this example. Each housing <b>90</b> is elongate and u-shaped in cross-section in this example. The second ends <b>94</b> of the housings <b>90</b> are positionable adjacent to the side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>. The second ends align with peripheral edge portions <b>40</b> of the vehicle's roof in this example and pivotally connect to respective ones of the second ends <b>66</b> of the base mounts <b>62</b> in this example.

Each housing <b>90</b> has a first, folded horizontal position, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 9</figref>, in which the housing aligns with the base mount. Each first subassembly <b>61</b> and second assembly <b>89</b> connect together in the folded position, with the housings <b>90</b> extending overtop of and receiving their respective base mounts <b>62</b> in this example. Each housing is moveable from its folded position to a second, unfolded raised position which is angularly spaced-apart therefrom, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 to 7</figref>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the housings <b>90</b> are angularly spaced-apart from their base mounts <b>62</b> by an angle α in the unfolded position. Angle α is obtuse in this example and the housings extend outwards from both the roof <b>22</b> and side <b>32</b> of the vehicle when in their unfolded positions in this example.

Each housing <b>90</b> comprises a top plate <b>96</b> that extends substantially parallel with and is spaced-apart from the roof <b>22</b>, in this example, when the housings are in their folded positions seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 9</figref>. Each housing comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b> connected to and extending downwards from their top plate, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, when the housing is in its folded position and from the perspective of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

Each second subassembly <b>89</b> resiliently connects to its corresponding first subassembly <b>61</b> in this example via a tension spring which biases the second subassembly towards its first subassembly. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, this is shown by way of tension spring <b>91</b> having a first end <b>93</b> connected to top plate <b>96</b> of housing <b>90</b> and having a second end <b>95</b> that connects to bottom plate <b>68</b> of base mount <b>62</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The springs are in retracted positions in the configurations of the subassemblies shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 3 and 9</figref>, and are in extended positions in the configurations shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 4 to 8</figref>.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, each housing <b>90</b> includes a first end plate <b>101</b> which connects to and extends downwards from its top plate <b>96</b> when the housing is in its folded position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. End plate <b>101</b> is adjacent to end <b>92</b> of the housing. The top plate <b>96</b>, side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b> and first end plate <b>101</b> are substantially rectangular in this example. Side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b> extend between ends <b>92</b> and <b>94</b> of the housing <b>90</b>. The side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b> align with and extend adjacent to the side walls <b>70</b> and <b>72</b> of the base mount <b>62</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, when the second subassembly <b>89</b> is in its folded position seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Each top plate <b>96</b> extends from end <b>92</b> towards end <b>94</b>. The top plate abuts the tops <b>79</b> of the side walls <b>70</b> and <b>72</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, when the second subassembly <b>89</b> is in its folded position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in this example.

As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, each first end plate <b>101</b> has an aperture <b>103</b> extending therethrough. Each aperture <b>103</b> is centrally positioned between side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b> in this example.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, each housing <b>90</b> includes a pair of spaced-apart protrusions, in this example in the form of a pair of brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> which extend from respective ones of side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b>. The brackets are located adjacent to second ends <b>94</b> of the housings <b>90</b> in this example. The brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> are coupled to and are integrally formed with the side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b>. They are substantially in the shape of right trapezoids in this example. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> extend substantially upwards and vertical direction, in this example, when their respective second subassembly <b>89</b> is in its folded position. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, each bracket <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> extends substantially parallel with the side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> in this example when its respective second subassembly <b>89</b> is in its unfolded position.

Each second subassembly <b>89</b> includes a pair of outwardly-facing, spaced-apart spring-loaded pins located on respective ones of its brackets, as seen by spring-loaded pin <b>105</b> mounted on bracket <b>104</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Spring-loaded pins per se, including their various parts and functionings, are well-known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, each second subassembly <b>89</b> has an aperture <b>106</b> located between respective brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> and positioned between its top plate <b>96</b> and end <b>94</b> of its housing <b>90</b>.

Each second subassembly <b>89</b> has a mounting member, in this example a rod <b>108</b> coupled to and extending between brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>. Each rod is in communication with one of the apertures <b>106</b>. Each housing <b>90</b> has a second end plate <b>110</b> which extends between brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> and which is rectangular in shape in this example. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, top plate <b>96</b>, side walls <b>98</b> and <b>100</b>, end plates <b>101</b> and <b>110</b> form an enclosure <b>112</b> having an interior <b>114</b>. The enclosure is shaped to extend overtop of and receives base mount <b>62</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

The foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> further comprises a pair of locking mechanisms for its respective mounting assemblies, as shown by locking mechanism <b>116</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The locking mechanisms are positioned within the respective enclosures <b>73</b> of the base mounts <b>62</b>. Each locking mechanism selectively retains its second subassembly <b>89</b> in its folded position relative to the respective first subassembly <b>61</b>. Each locking mechanism <b>116</b> in this example has a spring-biased pin <b>118</b> with a proximal end <b>120</b> and a distal end <b>122</b> spaced-apart therefrom. End <b>122</b> is spring-biased to extend laterally inwards towards the other side <b>34</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> and extend outwards from end <b>64</b> of base mount <b>62</b> towards side <b>34</b> of the vehicle seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, each locking mechanism <b>116</b> includes a pair of spaced-apart mounts <b>124</b> and <b>125</b> through which pin <b>118</b> slidably extends. Each mechanism includes a spring <b>128</b> which abuts mount <b>124</b> at one end <b>130</b> thereof and which connects to the pin <b>118</b> at another end <b>132</b> thereof. Pulling on end <b>120</b> of the pin <b>118</b> towards side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> in the direction shown by arrow <b>134</b> compresses spring <b>128</b> against mount <b>124</b> and causes end <b>122</b> of the pin to retract inwards towards the base mount <b>62</b>. Spring <b>128</b> biases end <b>122</b> of the pin <b>118</b> outwards from the base mount thereafter upon releasing end <b>120</b>. Spring-biased pins, including their various parts and functionings, are well-known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

Each first subassembly <b>61</b> includes an actuating member, in this example a wire cable <b>136</b>. Each cable has a first end <b>138</b>, which is looped in this example and coupled to end <b>134</b> of the pin <b>118</b>. Each cable <b>136</b> has a second end <b>140</b>, best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, which is also looped in this example and which is alignable with the peripheral edge portion <b>40</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>. Each cable aligns with and extends substantially in parallel with base plate <b>68</b> of its respective base mount <b>62</b>, in this example, extending from adjacent end <b>64</b> of the base mount to end <b>66</b> thereof. Each cable <b>136</b> may selectively extend through slot <b>69</b>, with looped end <b>140</b> abutting adjacent portions <b>142</b> of base plate <b>68</b>, for storing the cable when the second assembly is in its folded position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 3 and 8</figref>, end <b>122</b> of pin <b>118</b> is shaped to selectively extend through aperture <b>103</b> in end plate <b>101</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, for selectively coupling together the second subassembly <b>89</b> and the first subassembly <b>61</b> in the folded position seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. In order to move each second subassembly from its folded position to an unfolded position, looped end <b>140</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is removed from slot <b>69</b> and actuated outwards, to dislodge pin <b>118</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, from slot <b>69</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> also has a pair of spaced-apart, foldable arms <b>144</b> and <b>146</b>. Each of the arms is substantially the same in parts and functionings and therefore only foldable arm <b>146</b> will be described in detail. An inner, first portion of each arm <b>146</b> comprises a pair of spaced-apart, elongate, rigid members, in this example elongate tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b>. The tubes are substantially straight in this example. The tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> have proximal ends <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> that pivotally connect to brackets <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>, respectively, of mounting assembly <b>60</b>. The tubes have distal ends <b>156</b> and <b>158</b> which are spaced-apart from their proximal ends. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> have apertures <b>157</b> and <b>159</b> extending therethrough at their distal ends in this example. The apertures are shaped to selectively receive the spring-loaded pins <b>105</b> for holding the arms in place and fixing their positioning relative to housings <b>90</b> when said pins are actuated outwards, the apertures are aligned with the pins, and the pins are released thereafter. This is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, each of the tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> includes cushioning members extending therearound which extend from adjacent their proximal ends towards their distal ends. This is shown by cushioning member <b>160</b> which is tubular and made of foam plastic in this example. Member <b>160</b> extends around tube <b>150</b>.

Each arm <b>146</b> has an outer, second portion which is rigid and comprises a u-shaped member, in this example a u-shaped tube <b>162</b>. The u-shape is not strictly required and tube <b>162</b> may have other shapes in other embodiments. The tube has proximal ends <b>164</b> and <b>166</b> which pivotally mount near the terminuses of the distal ends <b>156</b> and <b>158</b>, respectively, of tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Each u-shaped tube <b>162</b> has an arc-shaped distal end <b>168</b>, in this example, which is spaced-apart from its proximal ends. Each tube includes a pair of cushion members, in this example, which extend from its distal end <b>168</b> towards its proximal ends, as shown by cushion member <b>170</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Cushioning member <b>170</b> is tubular and made of foam plastic in this example.

Each foldable arm <b>146</b> has a folded position, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, in which the portions of the arm, in this case tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> and tube <b>162</b>, are folded together on top of each other in the horizontal position, with the arm thus extending along the mounting assembly <b>60</b>. The tubes of the arm <b>146</b> are thus folded together laterally along the roof <b>22</b> in the folded position and are positioned substantially parallel with the mounting assembly and the roof <b>22</b> in the folded position. Each tube <b>162</b> is interposed between its corresponding tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> and top plate <b>96</b> of housing <b>90</b> when its arm <b>146</b> is in its folded position. Cushioning members <b>170</b> abut both cushioning members <b>160</b> and mounting assembly <b>60</b> in this example when the arm <b>146</b> is in its folded position.

Each arm <b>146</b> is moveable from the horizontal folded position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to an unfolded, lowered position, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 to 8</figref>, in which the portions of the arms extend outward for receiving and at least partially extending around an object, in this example kayak <b>172</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 9</figref>. The kayak has a bow <b>174</b>, a stern <b>175</b> spaced-apart from the bow and a hull <b>176</b> that extends between the bow and stern. The kayak <b>172</b> is conventional, with its various parts and functionings being well-known to those skilled in the art, and the kayak will thus not be described in further detail.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> are configured to extend along and extend substantially parallel with the side <b>32</b> and window <b>35</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> in the unfolded position of the arms. Each arm <b>146</b> is part u-shaped in its unfolded position as shown. Tubes <b>162</b> are configured to extend outwards from the side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> when the arms are in the unfolded position. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, spring-loaded pins <b>105</b> extend through apertures <b>157</b> and <b>159</b> of the tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> for holding said tubes in place in their unfolded position relative to housing <b>90</b>. In their unfolded position, tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> are angularly spaced-apart from their housing <b>90</b> by angle equal to approximately 90 degrees relative in this example.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> comprises a pair of biasing and fastening assemblies <b>177</b> and <b>178</b> that selectively bias arms <b>144</b> and <b>146</b> towards their folded positions. Each of biasing and fastening assemblies is substantially the same in parts and functionings and therefore only biasing and fastening assembly <b>178</b> will be described in detail. Each biasing and fastening assembly comprises an elongate flexible member, in this example a length-adjustable strap <b>180</b> which may be selectively tightened or loosened via strap-length adjusting mechanism <b>181</b>. The straps may be partially resilient.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, each biasing and fastening assembly <b>178</b> has a hook <b>182</b> at a first end <b>183</b> and which is selectively connectable to distal end <b>168</b> of its corresponding tube <b>162</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, each biasing and fastening assembly has a second end <b>184</b> spaced-apart from its first end and which also has a hook <b>185</b>. Strap <b>180</b> extends between and is coupled to ends <b>183</b> and <b>184</b>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the assembly <b>178</b> is connected at its end <b>183</b> to tube <b>162</b> and is shaped to extend around the hull <b>176</b> of the kayak <b>172</b>. The assembly is configured to have its end <b>184</b> selectively connect to rod <b>108</b> of the second subassembly <b>89</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, each arm <b>146</b> and corresponding strap <b>180</b> form a cradle <b>186</b> for receiving the kayak <b>172</b>. Strap-length adjusting mechanisms, including their various parts and functionings, are well-known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail.

In operation and referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, in order to use the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b>, tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> of each arm <b>146</b> are rotated outwards until tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> extend substantially upwards, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Spring-loaded pins <b>105</b> are next pulled outwards, apertures <b>157</b> and <b>159</b> of the tubes, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, are aligned with the pins, and the pins are released thereafter to extend through the apertures and retain the tubes in their position relative to housings <b>90</b>.

End <b>140</b> of cable <b>136</b> is next pulled outwards from slot <b>69</b> of base plate <b>68</b> of the base mount <b>62</b>. End <b>140</b> of the cable is then pulled laterally outwards in the direction of arrow <b>134</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. This causes pin <b>118</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, to retract from aperture <b>103</b> of end plate <b>101</b> of housing <b>90</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Thereafter, second subassembly <b>89</b> may be selected rotated outwards from its folded position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> to its unfolded position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. In these positions, tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> align with and are supported by side <b>32</b> of vehicle <b>24</b>.

Tubes <b>162</b> are next unfolded so as to extend outwards from tubes <b>148</b> and <b>150</b> and side <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, user <b>188</b> may then lift up kayak <b>172</b>, tilt one of its ends upwards, in this example bow <b>174</b>, and rest the bow against arm <b>146</b>. Stern <b>175</b> may then be raised upwards as the kayak slides along cushion members <b>160</b> and <b>170</b> and is pushed towards the other arm <b>144</b>, as generally shown by arrow <b>190</b>. The kayak may thus be moved until it is evenly balanced between and supported by arms <b>144</b> and <b>146</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. Thereafter, hooks <b>183</b> of biasing and fastening assemblies <b>178</b> connect onto tubes <b>162</b> and the straps extend around the hull <b>176</b> of the kayak <b>172</b>. Hooks <b>185</b> of the biasing and fastening assemblies next connect to rods <b>108</b> of the second subassemblies <b>89</b> and the straps may then be securely tightened to securely couple the kayak to the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b>.

Lastly, the kayak so secured may then be tilted upwards, as shown with reference to arrow <b>192</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, until the second subassemblies <b>89</b> abut with the first subassemblies <b>61</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, ends <b>140</b> of cables <b>136</b> may be pulled outwards to retract pins <b>118</b> until apertures <b>103</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, align therewith. The pins may then be released to extend through the apertures and thus couple the second assemblies <b>89</b> and first subassemblies <b>61</b> together as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. The kayak <b>172</b> is thus securely connected to the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b>, and thus roof <b>22</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b>, so as to be on its side. In this case, sides <b>194</b> and <b>196</b> of the kayak <b>172</b> extend vertically with each other.

A similar roof rack assembly may be installed adjacent to side <b>34</b> of the vehicle <b>24</b> for maintaining additional objects such as an additional kayak, while still providing room for a further storage box between the kayaks if desired.

The foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> may be selectively folded in a compact manner shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> by applying the above steps in reverse when the assembly is no longer required.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> show a foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b>.<b>1</b> according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 9</figref> with the addition of decimal extension “0.1”. Foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b>.<b>1</b> is substantially the same as foldable roof rack assembly <b>20</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 9</figref> with the exception that each of the arms <b>144</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>146</b>.<b>1</b> comprises tube assemblies <b>148</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>150</b>.<b>1</b> that are telescopic and are thus length-adjustable. Each of the tube assemblies comprises a plurality of tube portions of progressively smaller diameter, with each tube portion being shaped to receive to a subsequent one of the tube portions. This is shown by tube portions <b>198</b>, <b>200</b>, <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> for tube assembly <b>150</b>.<b>1</b>. This may enable assembly <b>20</b>.<b>1</b> to extend around a greater variety of objects such as bicycles. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows the assemblies <b>148</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>150</b>.<b>1</b> in retracted positions and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows the assemblies in an extended position. The assemblies are spring-biased towards their retracted positions and may be selectively lowered and extended downwards, as shown by arrow <b>206</b>. This may further facilitate the mounting of kayaks or the like on to tubes <b>162</b>.<b>1</b>.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. For example, pins <b>118</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may operatively connect to the second subassembly <b>89</b> and be selectively extendable through an aperture of the first subassembly for selectively holding the assemblies together in another embodiment.

Length-adjustable straps <b>180</b> are not strictly required; for example, bungee cords or other elastic stretching members may be used to a similar end for the biasing and fastening assemblies.

It will be further understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to at least the following claims.